10 best competitive multiplayer games on Xbox Game Pass

There are hundreds of fun-filled games to try on Xbox Game Pass, but only a few dozen would fit in the competitive genre. Our list will walk gamers through the best multiplayer games on Microsoft’s subscription service, along with what to know about each title.

Between racing games and first-person shooters, there’s no doubt that every gamer can find a multiplayer experience that fits their preferences on Xbox Game Pass.

We compiled this list while keeping in mind each game’s esports scene, multiplayer community, and overall quality of gameplay. We specifically ranked games available to Game Pass subscribers who play on Xbox, so our list may vary slightly on PC.

These 10 games are the perfect competitive titles for a fun-filled adventure online.

There are a variety of Battlefield titles available to subscribers of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, though many of them aren’t quite as competitive as the likes of VALORANT or Siege X. The newest is Battlefield 2042, a great choice if you’re seeking a first-person shooter featuring large-scale battles in an online space. You can destroy structures around Battlefield 2042’s maps while using vehicles to swiftly defeat your enemies, so it’s easily one of the best first-person shooters on Xbox Game Pass if you’re seeking competitive fun.

A reboot of Microsoft’s popular racing game franchise, Forza Motorsport, has dozens of unique vehicles and competitive racing tracks that’ll keep you on your toes. Once you’ve got the basics down, you can test your skills online against other players. There are many racing games on Xbox Game Pass, but Forza Motorsport is special due to its challenging online gameplay and large multiplayer community on Xbox. Racing games are typically less popular in competitive gaming, granting Forza Motorsport the ninth spot in our ranking.

For fans of old-school FPS games, Quake 2 is a treat. It’s a sci-fi shooting game with older mechanics, and while it’s not for everyone, it has a niche audience that can respect its style of PvP, offering traditional game modes like Team Deathmatch and Capture the Flag.

For Honor is a medieval fighting game complete with Vikings, knights, and even samurai characters. Players can pick from a roster of over a dozen fighters, then duel other players online. There are even large-scale game modes where you fight enemy players alongside NPCs, so For Honor is a fantastic multiplayer game for those interested in the medieval era. For Honor doesn’t have a big esports scene, though, which is why it’s ranked in seventh.

Mortal Kombat is well-known for its gory attacks and exciting cast of characters, and though it’s a fun competitive franchise, many gamers don’t like the gore. Mortal Kombat 11 is a great title for fans of competitive fighting games, and Game Pass subscribers have easy access to the flashy action. Before hopping into PvP, you can become acquainted with MK11’s combat in the story mode, then use Raiden and Sub-Zero to dominate the competition online.

Game Pass subscribers have instant access to extra agents in VALORANT, so it’s the perfect FPS for your next competitive adventure. VALORANT’s 5v5 round-based gameplay is competitive to its core, offering each team a fair shot at victory by completing search and destroy objectives. VALORANT is often difficult for beginners due to its large agent roster and seasoned community, so we’ve placed it in fifth place. And here’s how it stacks up against Rainbow Six Siege X.

Halo Infinite is the most recent title in the legendary FPS franchise. Come face-to-face with aliens while wielding powerful weapons in this sci-fi adventure. Once you’ve completed the campaign, you can jump headfirst into multiplayer in modes like Slayer and Capture the Flag. Halo Infinite is one of the best competitive games on Xbox, and its availability on Game Pass makes it an easy pick for subscribers. Though Infinite has great gunplay and graphics, it lacks many competitive rules and mechanics that esports fans may be used to in alternative first-person shooters, such as Siege X.

Star Wars Squadrons is an action game that places players in outer space, with starship combat being the feature that earns it the third spot. Set in the greater Star Wars universe, you can command X-Wings and TIE Fighters in an intergalactic battle of epic proportions. Online multiplayer is available in Star Wars Squadrons, along with an offline story mode. Fleet Battle is one of the best competitive experiences in Squadrons, so we recommend trying it out as soon as possible.

Black Ops 6 was met with a huge influx of new Call of Duty players due to its placement on Xbox Game Pass. With a campaign, round-based zombies, and an expansive multiplayer mode, BO6 has gained popularity among both competitive and casual COD fans. There’s a wealth of unique cosmetics to collect, lots of action-packed modes to try, and Treyarch even hosts online events, so BO6 has an edge over shooters like Battlefield 2042 at the present moment.

While Siege X is free to play, Game Pass subscribers can enjoy ranked play and access to a wider range of operators. Siege X is a tactical shooter with objectives and round-based gameplay. Every character has a special ability, so the operator combos in each match are endless. Rainbow Six Siege X also has a huge esports community, and the main menu even offers an esports tab for fans, which is why it’s ranked at number one.

There’s a vast collection of multiplayer games on Xbox Game Pass, but only you can choose where your next gaming adventure will take you. Between the medieval castles of For Honor and the alien warfare found in Halo, there’s something for everyone on Xbox.

Many of the video games on our list have thriving esports communities, offering a chance for any player to go pro with enough determination and practice.